Enjoy the Warm Weather without the Allergy & Asthma Symptoms

With springtime upon us, many are enjoy­ing warmer weather, flowers in bloom, and more hours of daylight. Although for some, these signs of spring also bring the common frus­trations associated with allergies and asthma. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the budding spring season – with­out the allergy and asthma symptoms.

Identify Your Triggers
Each season comes with its own set of potential asthma and allergy triggers. A trigger can be something in the environment like pollen, a chemical that you are ex­posed to, stress, or emotions. In order to control your allergies and asthma, it is important to know what may trigger your symptoms and how to limit your exposure to that trigger. Dust mite
excretion, pollen, and pet dander are
all common allergens and are known triggers for people with asthma. Work with your healthcare provider to iden­tify what may be causing your asthma and allergy symptoms.

Get Ready, Get Set, Get Outside
Warmer weather brings increased out­door activity and the threat of seasonal triggers. As flowers begin to bloom, pollen and air quality may play a role in your efforts to control asthma and allergy symptoms. Common springtime triggers found outside may include
pollen, flowers, weeds, trees, grass, pol­lution, and even temperature changes.

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Check your outdoor air quality If you plan to move your physical activity outside, remember to scope out the
environment first and be aware of any obvious triggers. The quality of the air we breathe outdoors can be especially troublesome for people with asthma. Check daily air quality levels and air pollution forecasts in your area at AirNow.gov.

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Lawn and garden maintenance Be­fore working in the yard, check your local pollen count. Consider gardening in the early morning or evening when the pollen count is at its lowest. Fertil­izers and freshly cut grass can worsen asthma symptoms. When working in the yard, consider wearing a particle mask (available at hardware stores) to keep from breathing in tiny particles.

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It’s a bug’s life Citronella candles and bug spray may keep mosquitoes at bay, but they can also trigger an asthma episode. It may help to stay several feet away from any strong smelling candles, and when using mosquito repellent, choose lotions that are unscented instead of aerosol sprays. Other tips that may help you avoid using repellent products are to empty flower pot liners or other containers holding water, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outside, and stay indoors at
sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

Know Your Hazards from the
Inside
Many Americans follow the long-standing tradition of spring-cleaning. Dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning indoor surfaces can help
to eliminate many potential asthma
and allergy triggers, but it can also
introduce new ones into the home
environment.

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Beware of cleaning products While cleaning the home is important and
can eliminate triggers such as mold, ingredients in cleaning products can cause asthma and allergy symptoms. Help to reduce the impact of these chemicals by ensuring that there is good ventilation. This means that you may have to open a window or two
to increase the air circulation in the home. Look for the Environmental
Protection Agency Design for the
Environment (DfE) logo when you shop for cleaning products. For more information on what the DfE label means or for a list of approved prod­ucts, visit epa.gov/dfe.

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Get rid of pests (or at least decrease exposure) Pests, such as cockroaches and dust mites, can be triggers for many people with allergies and asthma. You may never have a pest-free home, but you can do your part to reduce your exposure to these tiny critters. Regular house cleaning and the use of dust-mite resistant pillow and mattress covers may eliminate the breeding grounds
for these common household bugs.

Use Medications as Prescribed
While limiting exposure to triggers
can be helpful, you can never eliminate contact from all potential asthma and allergy threats. Always be sure to use your controller medications as pre­scribed, even if you are feeling well. Remember to keep your quick-relief medicine nearby in case of a flare-up. Other tools, such as a peak flow meter and a written asthma action plan, can complement your medications.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider
Be sure to keep your doctor informed
if you begin having trouble controlling your asthma or allergy symptoms. With your doctor’s help, you can create an asthma or allergy management plan to help keep you feeling healthy, active, and symptom-free.

Allergies and asthma shouldn’t keep you from enjoying springtime weather. For more information on lung health, call the American Lung Association Help Line at (800) 586-4872,
or visit lung.org.